Join the Human Rights Lab and its partners for a two-part virtual symposium on prison-industrial complex (PIC) abolition theory and practice. PIC abolitionists from the greater Chicago area will discuss their personal journey to PIC abolition, facilitate a critical discussion on how to engage with abolition, and share their experience in translating abolitionist values into practice.
Intro to Abolition
Wednesday, May 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM (CDT)
The first day of the symposium will offer attendees the opportunity to explore the many facets of abolition and abolitionist values. This event is dedicated as a brave learning space for community members to critically engage with the purpose of abolition and how this movement can serve our communities.
Hanna Kazemi, Justice Works and current master’s student at the Crown Family School, will moderate a panel discussion that includes:
Sophia Sarantakos, PhD ’20, The University of Denver School of Social Work
Sharlyn Grace, Crown Family School Lecturer and Former Executive Director of the Chicago Community Bond Fund
Hoda Katebi, Organizer and Founder of Blue Tin Production
Practical Applications for Abolition
Saturday, May 22 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM (CDT)
The second day of the symposium will focus on providing tangible ways to incorporate abolitionist values into daily practice. Our panelists will share how they have centered abolitionist values within their community organizing.
Tre Nowaczynski, Justice Works and current master’s student at the Crown Family School, will moderate a panel discussion that includes:
Damon Williams, The Let Us Breathe Collective
Monica Cosby, Mothers United Against Violence & Women’s Justice Institute
Janae Bonsu, AM ’15, BYP100 & The University of Illinois School of Social Work